Two days before Christmas 2016, I received a Facebook message from Heather.  She just found out that she was pregnant and she wanted to surprise her husband, Landon.  She had the perfect plan.  She was going to tell Landon that she won a session with me and it was scheduled for the day after Christmas.  During the session, she wanted to use small chalkboards to make her announcement.  She already had everything and dropped it off at my house on Christmas Eve.  That way, I could instruct them on what to do and he wouldn’t be suspicious.

We met the day after Christmas and I began the session like any other session.  A few moments later, I got the chalk and chalkboards out and told them to turn away from each other.  I asked them to write something they loved about their spouse on the chalkboard and when they were both finished, I would tell them to turn around and show each other.

I took photos of both of them writing, got in position, and said, “On the count of three, turn around.  One… two… three!”  They turned around and it took Landon a moment to realize that Heather’s chalkboard said, “You’re going to be a daddy!”  He couldn’t believe it!  There were tears from all three of us (I’m a sympathetic crier.  I can’t help it.).  Heather then pulled out the shirts she had made for this occasion and we proceeded with the session.

I was so proud of these photos and couldn’t wait to share them, but Heather wanted me to wait to post them (which I’m always happy to do).  About a month or so later, I contacted Heather to see if I could post them yet.  With a heavy heart, she told me she had a miscarriage and asked me not to post them at all.  My heart broke for them.  We talked about maybe one day in the future doing another pregnancy announcement and sharing their story.  I jokingly said, “Maybe I’ll have a blog by then and I can put it on my blog!”  And here we are, two and a half years later.  Me with a blog, and Heather and Landon with their rainbow baby.

Heather called me about a year ago and I just knew she was going to tell me she was pregnant again.  Sure enough, she was calling to ask me to photograph their gender reveal and share their story.  We had everything planned.  I was so excited because I had just started my blog and I thought the timing was perfect.  A few days before the gender reveal, I texted her to confirm the location.  Once again, she had to give me the heartbreaking news that she was no longer pregnant.  My heart ached, but there was nothing I could say or do that would make it less painful for them.

Every time I saw Heather and Landon at a wedding over the last couple of years, I was secretly hoping Heather would come up to me and share that she was pregnant.  I know they wanted to be parents so badly.  Infertility is an emotional roller coaster and has been a difficult journey for them.  Countless doctors appointments, blood work, medications, injections, and procedures with the hopes of one day having a baby.

Fast forward to last week.  Weston and I try to walk a mile or two together after work each day.  I always leave my phone at home so we can spend undivided quality time together.  When we got back home and I checked my phone, I had a missed call and voice mail from Heather.  I immediately called her back.  With every ring, I was thinking, “please tell me you’re pregnant!”  She picked up and asked about my availability for the weekend.  Then she said it.  She said they were pregnant and they just got the gender envelope.  They planned to find out the gender with their family this weekend and wanted me to be there to capture everyone’s reactions.  There’s no way I was going to miss it!

I can’t tell you how fun it was for me to watch these sweet parents find out the gender of their baby.  Their family shared in this moment with them and everyone was smiling ear to ear when blue smoke filled the area.  It’s a boy!  After 3 1/2 years, 2 miscarriages, and 3 angels in heaven, Heather and Landon are the proud parents of their rainbow baby who will arrive in December!  Please be in prayer for them for a healthy baby and safe delivery.

Heather and Landon, congratulations on your baby boy!  I am so thrilled that you chose me to photograph your pregnancy announcement in 2016 and again for your gender reveal.  It means the world to me that you chose me to be on this journey with you.  What an honor it is to share your story!  I pray that you have an easy pregnancy and you enjoy every little kick from your sweet babe!

“…sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”  – Psalm 30:5